HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 [07] Jul 08
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Page 3570
July 8, 1999
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council for the City of St. Joseph met in speCial
session on Thursday, July 8, 1999 at 4:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph City Hall.
Members Present Mayor Kenneth J. Hiemenz. Councilors Ken Twit, Bob Loso, Mary
Niedenfuer, Cory Ehlert (arriving at 4:45 p.m.). Deputy Clerk Judy Weyrens.
Others Present: Police Chief Brad Lindgren, Police Sergeant Jeff Young, Patrol Officer Brad
Meyer.
Hiemenz stated the purpose of the meeting is to discuss the staffing needs of the St. Joseph
Police Department.
Lindgren stated that he has presented the Council with written information regarding the need to
fill the vacant police officer position created by the resignation of Joel Bill. Further, information
was included regarding a grant to fund 75% of the wages for a police secretary should the City
choose to hire one. Lindgren stated that he spends considerable time during the day answering
phones and responding to walk-in traffic. These types of tasks can be managed with the hiring
of a police secretary. !
Loso questioned the qualifications of a police secretary and the specifics of the grant. Lindgren
stated that the person hired would have to be able to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
and be able to work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. As far as the specifics of the grant, the City' I
received funding in 1996 for the hire of a police secretary. Since the City did not expend the I
funds they were set aside in a reserve. At this time the City has received notice from the .
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Department of Justice that not only are the funds available, but the grant award is increased ~
include employment for a second year. The grant will cover 75% of the 'wages and benefits for
a two year period, not to exceed $ 35,390.00 in total. Further, there is a possibility the grant
may be extended beyond the two years.
Loso made a motion to accept the grant from the Department of Justice in the amount of $
35,390 for the hire of a police secretary. Approval is contingent upon the City Council review ng
and accepting a job description for the position and placing the position on the City Wage Scale.
The motion was seconded by Niedenfuer. i
Discussion: Twit questioned where the police secretary would be stationed. Undgreh
responded that the secretary will be able to use Officer Gustin's desk. Twit also ,
requested that the advertisement for the position clarify that the position may only be ~
two year position as it is grant funded.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert.
Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0
Lindgren requested the Council begin the process of filing the vacancy created by the
resignation of Officer Joel Bill. He stated that he has concerns if the City does not fill the
vacancy. In his opinion the officers are working under a high degree of stress and are suffering
from burnout. In order to maintain 24 hour coverage the offICers will have to work 12 hour sl1ifts,
which they do not wish to do. Officer Meyer stated that with the current staff nine shifts will be
left uncovered in the month of July. Further Meyer stated the use of part time officers could help
fill in the gap until an officer is hired. !
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Lindgren also stated that a second officer may be leaving as a background check is being i
performed on Officer Dahl. Currently the department is scheduling two officers during the dðy,
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Page 3571
July 8, 1999
one of which handles safety programs and fingerprinting. Lindgren also suggested the City
consider hiring an investigator. This position could also be in charge of the alcohol compliance
program.
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The Council discussed the tum over rate of patrol officers and the City's investment in training
and outfitting new officers. Lindgren stated the following are suggestil~ns for retention: if an
officer resigns before the third year anniversary accumulated sick leave would not be paid;
restructure the manner in which uniform allowance is granted.
Loso made a motion to begin the process to fill the patrol officer vacancy created by the
resignation of Joel Bill. Further, before an officer is hired the City should establish a plan to
increase retention. The motion was seconded by Ehlert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert.
Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0
Lindgren asked the Council to clalÏfý his authority regarding the hiring of part time officers or
schedule overtime for the officers. Discussion included: effectiveness of part time officers;
changing the work day of officers from ten hours to eight hours; rotating of shifts for an officers;
use of Steams County to fill in the scheduling gap.
Niedenfuer made a motion authorizing the use of part time officers to be paid at a rate of $
13.26 per hour. The part time offICers will be utilized to cover shifts left uncovered due to the
resignation of Officer Bill (approximately 36 hours). The moron was seconded by Twit
Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert.
Nays: None Moron Carried 5:0:0
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Adioum: Loso made a motion to adjoum at 6:15 p.m.; seconded by E/:llert.
Ayes: Hiemenz, Twit, Loso, Niedenfuer, Ehlert.
Nays: None Motion Carried 5:0:0
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,J dy y.feyrens
eputy Clerk
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